Raising the roof for good causes

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Published:15:32Tuesday 24 December 2013

The spirit of Christmas was alive and well when dozens of Reporter Series readers joined us for our annual carol service.

Mirfield Salvation Army Band and organist Stephen Parker performed festive favourites as Dewsbury Minster filled up on Wednesday evening.

FESTIVE CELEBRATION Dozens of readers packed into Dewsbury Minster for the service.(d233a351)

Dewsbury Team Parish rector the Rev Canon Kevin Partington told the congregation: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to this, the second of our Reporter Series carol services. It’s really good to see another full house.

“We’re going to raise the roof tonight and also raise some much needed money for some local charities.”

Applause rang out after guest soloist Sarah Armitage, accompanied by Robert Fisher, performed O Holy Night.

And there was further applause for speaker John Wilson, a former Reporter editor, who shared a reflection on Christmas.

He said one of his own traditions was to read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol every December.

“The Cratchits tell us that you don’t need much at all to be happy,” he said.

“If you’re surrounded by family it can be the best Christmas of all.”

Readings were also given by former deputy editor Margaret Watson and One Community trustee Chris Battye, who shared a poem he had written entitled Just call him Jesus.

The band led the congregation in While Shepherds Watched to the tune of On Ikley Moor Bah T’at, and performed the theme from The Snowman.

Reporter Series editor Hannah Ridgeway thanked all those who had joined the team for the service.

She said: “Without you walking through the doors this evening, it wouldn’t be the event it is so thank you very much.”

A retiring collection in aid of the band and the Reporter Series Fund charity appeal raised more than £260.

Money collected by the appeal will be shared by Kirkwood Hospice, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, One Community and Asthma UK.

l Visit our website to watch a slideshow with more pictures from the service.